News from August 2024
Rep. Vasut: Interest rates are ‘one of the largest drivers of the lack of affordability’
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 27, 2024
Texas State Rep. Cody Vasut said that while high interest rates are a major barrier to affordability, state actions like easing development restrictions in urban areas and regulating corporate home purchases could help improve access to affordable housing for millennials and Generation Z. Vasut was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Rep. Plesa: ‘Districts can't be bought’
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 26, 2024
Texas State Rep. Mihaela Plesa said she ran for office after noticing changes in the state, using her legislative experience to win a competitive race in Collin County, and that districts are to be won on policy, not money. Plesa was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
OPINION: WATER FOR TEXANS, BY TEXANS: THE PATH TO SELF-RELIANCE
By Sid Miller | Aug 26, 2024
Water is the lifeblood of Texas agriculture, and nowhere is that more critical than in the Rio Grande Valley. For too long, we’ve been at the mercy of Mexico, waiting on them to deliver on empty promises stemming back to a water treaty negotiated in 1944 — eighty years ago! Mexico has now fallen behind, once again, in providing more than 900,000 acre-feet, or about 1.1 billion cubic meters of water they owe to Texas and the U.S., and again, they’ve shown they can’t be trusted as reliable partners. It’s time to stop whining about it and act. Texans need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, take charge, and secure our water supply.
Senator Cruz on Bitcoin mining: “an opportunity in real time to enhance the resiliency of our grid’
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 26, 2024
Texas Senator Ted Cruz has, again, voiced his support for Bitcoin mining in Texas, citing the state's abundant energy resources and entrepreneurial spirit as key advantages, among other reasons.
Senator Menéndez: Hemp products ‘should be for those 21 and over’ and ‘heavily regulated’
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 26, 2024
Texas State Senator José Menéndez said that while cannabis remains illegal, the similarity between hemp and cannabis has led to unintended legalization, prompting calls for stricter regulations, especially to protect children and that these products should be restricted to those 21 and over. Menéndez was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Texas DPS director Steven McCraw announces retirement after 15 years
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 25, 2024
AUSTIN – This morning, in a letter to his more than 11,000 Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers and employees, Director Steven C. McCraw announced that after leading the agency for 15 years, he plans to retire.
Governor Abbott honors Director McCraw at DPS graduation ceremony
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 25, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott today honored Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steve McCraw’s dedication and service to the State of Texas throughout his more than 40-year career as a law enforcement officer and 15 years leading the agency. The recognition took place at the DPS Recruit Class A-2024 Graduation Ceremony in Austin. During his keynote address, Governor Abbott also celebrated new graduates who will join what he described as "the most elite law enforcement agency in the nation."
Texas Department of Public Safety welcomes new highway patrol troopers
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 25, 2024
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has commissioned 101 new Texas Highway Patrol Troopers from recruit Class A-2024 during a graduation ceremony held at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin. This marks the department’s 175th recruit class.
Author Michael Barnes to discuss 'Indelible Austin' series on Sept. 9
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 23, 2024
Austin, TX – The Texas Center for the Book will host #TXBookChat LIVE: Indelible Austin: Selected Histories with author Michael Barnes on Monday, Sept. 9 from 2 to 3 p.m. (CT).
Texas State Library announces new archival collections now accessible online
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 23, 2024
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has announced the availability of new and revised finding aids online, along with fresh uploads to the Texas Digital Archive. This initiative aims to facilitate research by providing access to a wealth of historical resources.
Texas DPS welcomes new commissioner Dan Hord
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 23, 2024
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officially welcomed a new member to the Public Safety Commission (PSC) as Commissioner Dan Hord attended his first PSC meeting at DPS Headquarters in Austin. Commissioner Hord fills the seat previously held by outgoing Commissioner Dale Wainwright, who left the PSC earlier this year after completing his term.
Governor Abbott appoints John Yochem Jr. to San Antonio River Authority board
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 23, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed John Yochem, Jr. to the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) Board of Directors for a term set to expire on December 31, 2027, or until his successor is duly elected and qualified.
Texas AFL-CIO awards 25 scholarship grants
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 23, 2024
The Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Program has awarded 25 grants of $1,500 to students from affiliated union families who are entering college or continuing their college education. The state federation’s scholarship committee approved the work conducted by central labor bodies that vetted high school senior applicants from across Texas and made recommendations for awards.
Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law First Amendment Clinic to receive James Madison Award
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 23, 2024
The Southern Methodist University (SMU) Dedman School of Law’s First Amendment Clinic has been named a recipient of the James Madison Award, presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas (FOIFT).
House Rules, Transparency, and the Judiciary: A Conversation with Representative Cody Vasut
By Lone Star Standard reports | Aug 22, 2024
Highlights from our interview with Representative Cody Vasut, Republican state representative for Texas House District 25 (south and western Brazoria County).
Texas Attorney General: ‘It is a crime to vote—or to register to vote—if you are not a United States citizen’
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 22, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into reports that nonprofit organizations may be illegally registering non-citizens to vote, following undercover operations by the state's Election Integrity Unit that uncovered suspicious activities outside of Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices.
Looking back at the debate about reforming civil asset forfeiture in Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 21, 2024
Civil asset forfeiture in Texas is a legal process that allows law enforcement to seize property suspected of being involved in criminal activity without necessarily charging the owner with a crime. This practice is governed by Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Critics argue that it infringes on property rights and due process, while proponents believe it is essential for disrupting criminal enterprises.
Texas DPS highlights aircraft operations on National Aviation Day
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 20, 2024
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in honor of National Aviation Day, recognizes the significant contributions of the department’s Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) to citizens of the state.
Texas Historical Records Advisory Board announces finance workshop scholarships
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 20, 2024
The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) has announced that it is now accepting applications from managers in Texas archival institutions for a free October workshop offered by the Society of American Archivists (SAA) on the topic of “Finance Basics for Archives Managers.”
Texas wine industry joins global 'Come Over October' campaign
By Lone Star Standard | Aug 20, 2024
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) have announced the participation of the Texas wine industry in the global Come Over October campaign. This initiative coincides with Texas Wine Month, celebrated every October. With approximately 500 wineries across Texas, residents are encouraged to enjoy and share local wines with family and friends.
